Explanations for Obedience Flashcards
What is the agentic state?
The agentic state is when a person believes that someone else will take responsibility for their actions.
What is an Agentic Shift?
An Agentic Shift is the transition from an autonomous state, where a person believes they are responsible for their actions, to the agentic state.
What is agency theory?
Agency theory suggests that people are more likely to obey when in the agentic state, as they do not believe they will face consequences for their actions.
What does legitimacy of authority refer to?
Legitimacy of authority describes how credible an authority figure is, influencing people’s likelihood to obey them.
Why are students more likely to listen to parents or teachers?
Students are more likely to listen to parents or teachers because they are perceived as credible and morally right.
What is expert authority?
Expert authority is when an authority figure is seen as knowledgeable and responsible, as in Milgram’s study where the experimenter was a scientist.
What are situational factors in obedience?
Situational factors include the appearance of the authority figure, the location, and proximity.
How does uniform affect obedience?
A person is more likely to obey someone in a uniform, as it conveys higher status and legitimacy.
What was the impact of location on obedience in Milgram’s study?
Obedience was greater in a prestigious location like Yale compared to a rundown office, as the location’s status demands obedience.
How does proximity to the authority figure affect obedience?
Obedience increases when the authority figure is in closer proximity, as it raises pressure to obey and lowers resistance.
What did Gina Perry’s review suggest about participants’ beliefs in Milgram’s study?
Gina Perry found that many participants questioned the legitimacy of the electric shocks.
What did Milgram’s quantitative data indicate about participants’ beliefs?
Milgram’s data suggested that 70% of participants believed the shocks were real.
What real-life example illustrates agentic state theory?
The My Lai Massacres illustrate agentic state theory, as soldiers obeyed orders from their Generals and shifted responsibility.
What is a criticism of Milgram’s variations regarding situational variables?
Milgram’s variations may lack validity, as the substitution of a ‘normal citizen’ for a lab-coated confederate could lead to demand characteristics affecting results.
